What can we help you find?

July 24, 2019 10:00 am ET

New Findings from Study Evaluating Islatravir in Combination with Doravirine versus DELSTRIGO™ (doravirine 100 mg/3TC 300 mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg)

Company Plans to Initiate Phase 3 Trials

KENILWORTH, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced the results from a Phase 2b clinical trial evaluating the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of islatravir (MK-8591), the company’s investigational nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor (NRTTI), for the treatment of HIV-1. The trial evaluated three oral, once-daily doses of islatravir initially for 24 weeks in combination with Merck’s doravirine** (a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [NNRTI]) plus lamivudine (3TC, 300 mg), and then for a further 24 weeks in combination with doravirine, compared to DELSTRIGO™ (doravirine 100 mg/3TC 300 mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) in adults with HIV-1 infection who had not previously received antiretroviral treatment. At all dose levels, the combination of islatravir and doravirine maintained antiviral activity as measured by the number of study participants achieving HIV-1 RNA levels <50 copies/mL, similar to DELSTRIGO at Week 48 of the study. These findings were presented as a late-breaking oral presentation (Abstract WEAB0402LB) at the 10^th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2019) in Mexico City and featured in the official IAS 2019 press program.

“These results provide evidence for the antiviral properties of islatravir in combination with doravirine as a potential once-daily dual regimen for people living with HIV-1,” said Dr. Jean-Michel Molina, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Paris Diderot University and Head of the Infectious Diseases Department, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, the study’s lead investigator. “There is a continuing need for additional efficacious therapeutic regimens for the treatment of people living with HIV-1, and islatravir warrants further study.”

Based on these data, Merck plans to initiate a Phase 3 program evaluating islatravir in combination with doravirine across diverse patient populations to address the evolving needs of people living with HIV-1.

PIFELTRO (doravirine, 100 mg) is indicated in combination with other ARV agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients with no prior ARV treatment history. DELSTRIGO (doravirine 100 mg/3TC 300 mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) is indicated as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients with no prior ARV treatment history. DELSTRIGO contains a boxed warning regarding post-treatment acute exacerbation of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DELSTRIGO and PIFELTRO do not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS.

DELSTRIGO and PIFELTRO are contraindicated when co-administered with drugs that are strong cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A enzyme inducers (including the anticonvulsants carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin; the androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide; the antimycobacterials rifampin and rifapentine; the cytotoxic agent mitotane; and the herbal product St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)) as significant decreases in doravirine plasma concentrations may occur, which may decrease the effectiveness of DELSTRIGO and PIFELTRO. DELSTRIGO is contraindicated in patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to 3TC. For more information, see “Selected Safety Information” below.

“We are eager to build upon the findings of this Phase 2b study of islatravir,” said Dr. George Hanna, vice president and therapeutic area head of infectious diseases, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. “Data presented at this meeting underscores Merck’s commitment to evaluate the potential of islatravir for the treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV-1.”

Phase 2b Study Results for Investigational 2-Drug Regimen of Islatravir with Doravirine

In this international, multicenter clinical trial, adult participants with HIV-1 infection who had not previously received antiretroviral therapy (treatment-naïve) were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to one of four once-daily treatment groups: islatravir 0.25 mg (n=29), 0.75 mg (n=30) or 2.25 mg (n=31) in combination with doravirine (100 mg) and 3TC (300 mg) compared to DELSTRIGO (n=31). After a minimum of 24-weeks of treatment, participants in the islatravir treatment groups with HIV-1 RNA levels less than 50 copies/mL who had not met any protocol defined virologic failure (PDVF) criteria were transitioned to a 2-drug regimen consisting of the same dose of islatravir plus doravirine (100 mg), without 3TC.

Results showed that the participants who received islatravir in combination with doravirine plus 3TC for 24 weeks, and switched to islatravir in combination with doravirine, demonstrated efficacy at Week 48 as measured by HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL, similar to DELSTRIGO (FDA snapshot approach) (see table 1). The antiretroviral activity observed at Week 48 was consistent with study findings at Week 24, which were also presented at IAS 2019 (Abstract LBPED46), showing comparable antiviral activity for all islatravir treatment groups versus DELSTRIGO, regardless of HIV-1 RNA level at baseline. The Phase 2b study continues with additional measures to be taken at Week 96 and beyond.

Table 1 Efficacy Results

^{*Participants initially received islatravir +doravirine+3TC and switched to islatravir+ doravirine.}

^{Table includes participants who discontinued because of adverse event (AE) at any time point from Day 1 through the time window, if this resulted in no virologic data on treatment during the specified window. Additional reasons include: lost to follow-up, physician decision, protocol deviation, withdrawal by subject.}

Protocol-defined virologic failure (PDVF), defined as rebound with confirmed HIV-1 RNA greater than or equal to 50 copies/mL after suppression or non-response with confirmed HIV-1 RNA greater than or equal to 50 copies/mL at Week 48, was confirmed in six participants, 5.6% (5/90; 4 rebound, 1 non-response) of the islatravir treatment groups combined and 3.2% (1/31; rebound) of the DELSTRIGO group. However, all participants with PDVF had confirmatory HIV-1 RNA levels < 80 copies/mL.

No serious drug-related adverse events (AE) were reported for any islatravir treatment group at Week 48. The most common reported adverse events (reported by >10% participants) in the DELSTRIGO-treated group (31pts) were diarrhea (16.1%), bronchitis (12.9%) and syphilis (12.9%). The most common reported adverse events (reported by >10% participants) in the islatravir-treated groups were: 0.2 mg (29 pts) (sinusitis, pain in extremity, headache – 10.3%, 10.3% and 13.8%, respectively); 0.75 mg (30 pts) (diarrhea, nausea, bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, syphilis, vitamin D deficiency -13.3%, 13.3%, 13.3%, 13.3%, 10.0%, 13.3%, respectively); 2.25 mg (31pts) (arthralgia, headache – 12.9%, 12.9%, respectively). One serious drug-related AE resulted in discontinuation in a participant in the DELSTRIGO group. Two participants in the islatravir-treated dose groups (both 2.25 mg) discontinued due to an AE.

About the Islatravir/Doravirine Phase 2b Trial

This Phase 2b randomized, double-blind, active-comparator-controlled, dose-ranging clinical trial evaluated the safety, tolerability, antiretroviral activity and pharmacokinetics of islatravir in combination with doravirine and lamivudine (3TC) in treatment-naïve adults with HIV-1 infection with baseline HIV-1 RNA ≥1,000 copies/mL and CD4+ T-cell count >200 cells/mm³. At week 24 of treatment, participants receiving an islatravir-containing regimen who achieved HIV-1 RNA level copies less than 50 copies/mL and did not reach criteria for PDVF resistance were transitioned to an islatravir and doravirine combination regimen for a further 24 weeks.

The primary efficacy endpoints of the study were the proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA copies less than 50 copies/mL at Week 24 and Week 48. The primary safety endpoints were number of participants experiencing adverse events and discontinuations due to adverse events. The Phase 2b study continues with additional measures to be taken at Week 96 and beyond. For further information, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03272347).

About Islatravir

Islatravir is Merck’s investigational nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor (NRTTI) currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretrovirals, as well as for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV-1 infection as a single investigational agent across a variety of formulations.

About Doravirine

Doravirine is currently marketed in the United States and other jurisdictions as PIFELTRO, and in a fixed-dose combination tablet with 3TC and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) as DELSTRIGO. PIFELTRO (doravirine, 100 mg) is a once-daily non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) to be administered in combination with other antiretroviral (ARV) medicines. DELSTRIGO is a once-daily fixed-dose combination tablet of doravirine (100 mg), lamivudine (3TC, 300 mg) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, 300 mg) as a complete regimen. PIFELTRO and DELSTRIGO were approved in 2018 for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients not previously treated with antiretroviral therapy. A supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) is under review by the FDA for use (in combination with other antiretrovirals) in people living with HIV-1 who are switching from a stable antiretroviral regimen and whose virus is suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL). The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date for the sNDA is Sept. 20, 2019.

Selected Safety Information about DELSTRIGO (doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and PIFELTRO (doravirine)

Warning: Posttreatment Acute Exacerbation of Hepatitis B (HBV).

All patients with HIV-1 should be tested for the presence of HBV before initiating ARV therapy. Severe acute exacerbations of HBV have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued products containing lamivudine or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), which are components of DELSTRIGO. Patients coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV who discontinue DELSTRIGO should be monitored with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months after stopping DELSTRIGO. If appropriate, initiation of anti-HBV therapy may be warranted.

PIFELTRO and DELSTRIGO are contraindicated when co-administered with drugs that are strong cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A enzyme inducers (including the anticonvulsants carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin; the androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide; the antimycobacterials rifampin and rifapentine; the cytotoxic agent mitotane; and the herbal product St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)), as significant decreases in doravirine plasma concentrations may occur, which may decrease the effectiveness of DELSTRIGO and PIFELTRO.

DELSTRIGO is contraindicated in patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to lamivudine.

Renal impairment, including cases of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome, have been reported with the use of TDF. DELSTRIGO should be avoided with concurrent or recent use of a nephrotoxic agent (e.g., high-dose or multiple NSAIDs). Cases of acute renal failure after initiation of high-dose or multiple NSAIDs have been reported in patients with risk factors for renal dysfunction who appeared stable on TDF.

Prior to or when initiating DELSTRIGO, and during treatment, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all patients. In patients with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus. Discontinue DELSTRIGO in patients who develop clinically significant decreases in renal function or evidence of Fanconi syndrome. Discontinue DELSTRIGO if estimated creatinine clearance declines below 50 mL/min.

In clinical trials in HIV-1 infected adults, TDF was associated with slightly greater decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) and increases in biochemical markers of bone metabolism. Serum parathyroid hormone levels and 1,25 Vitamin D levels were also higher. Cases of osteomalacia associated with proximal renal tubulopathy have been reported with the use of TDF.

Immune reconstitution syndrome can occur, including the occurrence of autoimmune disorders with variable time to onset, which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.

Because DELSTRIGO is a complete regimen, co-administration with other antiretroviral medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection is not recommended. Co-administration of PIFELTRO with efavirenz, etravirine, or nevirapine is not recommended. If DELSTRIGO is co-administered with rifabutin, take one tablet of DELSTRIGO once daily, followed by one tablet of doravirine (PIFELTRO) approximately 12 hours after the dose of DELSTRIGO. If PIFELTRO is co-administered with rifabutin, increase PIFELTRO dosage to one tablet twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart). Consult the full Prescribing Information prior to and during treatment for more information on potential drug-drug interactions.

Because DELSTRIGO is a fixed-dose combination tablet and the dosage of lamivudine and TDF cannot be adjusted, DELSTRIGO is not recommended in patients with estimated creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min.

The most common adverse reactions with DELSTRIGO (incidence ≥5%, all intensities) were dizziness (7%), nausea (5%), and abnormal dreams (5%). The most common adverse reactions with PIFELTRO (incidence ≥5%, all intensities) were nausea (7%), dizziness (7%), headache (6%), fatigue (6%), diarrhea (5%), abdominal pain (5%), and abnormal dreams (5%).

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in individuals exposed to PIFELTRO or DELSTRIGO during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263.

Mothers infected with HIV-1 should be instructed not to breastfeed if they are receiving PIFELTRO or DELSTRIGO due to the potential for HIV-1 transmission.

Our Commitment to HIV

For more than 30 years, Merck has been committed to scientific research and discovery in HIV, and we continue to be driven by the conviction that more medical advances are still to come. Our focus is on pursuing research that addresses unmet medical needs and helps people living with HIV and their communities. We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners in the global HIV community to address the complex challenges that hinder continued progress.

About Merck

For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world – including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Please see Prescribing Information for DELSTRIGO (doravirine/3TC/TDF) at: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/d/delstrigo/delstrigo_pi.pdf; and Patient Information for DELSTRIGO (doravirine/3TC/TDF) at: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/d/delstrigo/delstrigo_ppi.pdf

Please see Prescribing Information for PIFELTRO (doravirine) at: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/pifeltro/pifeltro_pi.pdf; and Patient Information for PIFELTRO (doravirine) at: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/pifeltro/pifeltro_ppi.pdf

**Doravirine is currently marketed in the U.S. and other jurisdictions as PIFELTRO™.

Media:
Pamela Eisele
(267) 305-3558

Sarra S. Herzog
(201) 669-6570

Investors:
Teri Loxam
(908) 740-1986

Michael DeCarbo
(908) 740-1807